Endorsements at Center Stage in AG Race Between Pam Bondi, Dan Gelber

Republican attorney general candidate Pam Bondi received the backing of the Latino Officers Association on Monday -- while her Democratic opponent, Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, slammed her for another endorsement.

"Pam Bondi is the clear choice for Florida's attorney general because she has nearly 20 years of experience as a prosecutor and she will use that experience to work closely with law enforcement to protect Floridians," said President Alex Martinez of the Latino Officers Association. "Florida's Latino officers look forward to working with Pam, and we are confident she will prioritize the public safety needs of our communities."

"I am so honored to have the support of Florida's Latino officers because there will be nothing more important than making Florida a safer place, and that includes Florida's Hispanic communities, children and families," said Bondi. "I've spent the last 18 years as a prosecutor fighting crime and protecting victims, and I look forward to bringing that experience to the entire state as Florida's 'top cop' and chief legal officer."

Bondi is getting a little help from national Republicans -- including a $1 million ad campaign backed by the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC). Gelbers team insists the RSLC is funded by special interests.

"In the final days of a campaign, you would think Pam Bondi would focus her attention on Florida, but according to her political calculations she can get more bang for her buck by continuing to sell her campaign to the highest bidder in Washington at the expense of Floridians, said Christian Ulvert, Gelbers campaign manager. Ms. Bondi should spend less time making deals with D.C. lobbyists and more time talking to Florida voters. Maybe then shed have a little more to say about the real security challenges facing our state, rather than focusing on Washington issues that have nothing to do with the attorney generals office.